Georgia Football: 3 defensive veterans who need to step up in 2017.

Jonathan Ledbetter.

Ledbetter is a player I am very high on. For me, it was crystal clear just how much better the defense was when he returned to the side after a 6 game suspension last year. An ideal ‘5’ technique, he plays that role incredibly well and that’s crucial for this defense.

Having shown that he could stuff the run last year, 2017 is the year when we need to see him rush the passer. While traditionally, UGA’s system gets the pass rush from its linebackers, Ledbetter has the ability to bring the heat from the line. If he’s able to do this alongside Trenton Thompson, then this unit is going to be an absolute terror. Both of them are physical specimens who give offensive linemen nightmares. If both of them play to their potential, this defense should be scary.

Ledbetter is a great redemption story. He had an issue with alcohol that he needed to address and get help for. That cost him games and time last season. By all accounts, he has been one of the stars on the defense this offseason. It also shouldn’t be forgotten that he is a young Junior, he’s still just 20 years old. I think that this is the season that we see that big jump from him in terms of production. If that happens, look for this defense to be really, really good.

Next: UGA fans should not cry over seeing the Georgia dome go.